Gmail User Class Action Against Google Alleges Invasion of Privacy, Wiretap Claims

HOUSTON—Google Inc. invaded the privacy of millions of users by intentionally scanning and capturing the content of every e-mail sent and received through Gmail for behavioral advertising purposes, according to a class action complaint filed March 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Michaels v. Google Inc.).

Plaintiff Kelly Michaels alleged that Google creates, operates, and maintains proprietary technology and algorithms for the purpose of intercepting, collecting, scanning, and analyzing every e-mail of Gmail users for the purpose of “monetizing” Gmail users’ data, in violation of the Federal Wiretap Act, the Texas Civil ...